Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a method for multiple source light output smoothing includes measuring a light distribution generated by multiple light sources arranged within an electronic device and determining at least one brightness adjustment based on the measured light distribution that is sufficient to locally reduce light output within a discrete region of a surface of the electronic device to satisfy predefined luminosity criteria. The method further includes applying an optical filter between the multiple light sources and the surface, the optical filter configured to reduce light output within the discrete region according to the determined at least one brightness adjustment.

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a method for multiple source light output smoothing includes measuring a light distribution generated by multiple light sources arranged within an electronic device and determining at least one brightness adjustment based on the measured light distribution that is sufficient to locally reduce light output within a discrete region of a surface of the electronic device to satisfy predefined luminosity criteria. The method further includes applying an optical filter between the multiple light sources and the surface, the optical filter configured to reduce light output within the discrete region according to the determined at least one brightness adjustment.

Abstract: Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. User interfaces may also be employed to implement various aspects of the embodiments discussed herein.

Abstract: Fabric enclosure backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more translucent portions are formed within a plurality of layers of a fabric enclosure assembly. In one approach, regions within one or multiple layers are laser etched to form the translucent portions within the fabric enclosure assembly. A light source is then arranged to selectively transmit light through the layers via the translucent portions to provide backlight for one or more elements integrated with fabric enclosure assembly. The one or more elements may include representations of input keys and/or graphics associated with the fabric enclosure assembly. The backlight may be used to view the one or more elements in low light and/or provide backlight effects such as borders, side lighting, labels, and so forth.

Abstract: Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or more implementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial) includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent mechanism. The rotary input control may be integrated with an input device such as a computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotor assembly includes a rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such as teeth of a gear, spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least one permanent magnet is arranged radially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. This creates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elements rotate through the magnetic field.

Abstract: Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or more implementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial) includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent mechanism. The rotary input control may be integrated with an input device such as a computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotor assembly includes a rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such as teeth of a gear, spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least one permanent magnet is arranged radially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. This creates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elements rotate through the magnetic field.

Abstract: A slidable battery door assembly is described. In implementations, the slidable battery door assembly (hereinafter “door assembly”) includes a door that is slidable to control access to a battery compartment for a device. Also included is a battery contact inside the battery compartment that is coupled to the door. When the door is closed, the battery contact holds a battery in place and serves as a portion of an electrical circuit that includes the battery. The door may be slidably opened such that the battery contact releases the battery, allowing the battery to be removed from the battery compartment. Thus, the door assembly enables easy installation and removal of a battery. Further, the door assembly can be positioned to hold a battery securely in place and provide an electrically conductive connection between the battery and an electrical circuit.

Abstract: Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. User interfaces may also be employed to implement various aspects of the embodiments discussed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of a washable computer mouse are disclosed. In an embodiment, a water impermeable layer is sealably mounted to a housing so as to provide a water impermeable region and a water permeable region. Mouse circuitry, which includes a sensor and a light source and a responsive element, is positioned in the water impermeable region. A biased button is positioned in the water permeable region and is configured to engage the responsive element. In an embodiment, the mouse circuitry may be configured for wireless transmission of signals and may include a removable door that, in operation, sealably covers a replaceable power source. In an alternative embodiment, the housing may include an exposed connector and a plug that is configured to seal the connector may be attached to the housing by a tether.

Abstract: An input device with an interchangeable surface is described. In one or more implementations, an input device base includes a connection portion configured to provide a physical and communicative coupling to a computing device and a plurality of sensors configured to initiate respective inputs responsive to contact from a user. The input device also includes an interchangeable surface that is removable and connectable, physically, to the input device base, the interchangeable surface having a plurality of indications of inputs that are to be initiated via respective ones of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An input device with an interchangeable surface is described. In one or more implementations, an input device base includes a connection portion configured to provide a physical and communicative coupling to a computing device and a plurality of sensors configured to initiate respective inputs responsive to contact from a user. The input device also includes an interchangeable surface that is removable and connectable, physically, to the input device base, the interchangeable surface having a plurality of indications of inputs that are to be initiated via respective ones of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An input device with an interchangeable surface is described. In one or more implementations, an input device base includes a connection portion configured to provide a physical and communicative coupling to a computing device and a plurality of sensors configured to initiate respective inputs responsive to contact from a user. The input device also includes an interchangeable surface that is removable and connectable, physically, to the input device base, the interchangeable surface having a plurality of indications of inputs that are to be initiated via respective ones of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Media processing input devices are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a connection portion having at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with a computing device and a magnetic coupling device to form a removable magnetic attachment to the computing device to secure the connection portion to the computing device. The input device also includes an input portion comprising a plurality of keys that are configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs, the signals to specify processing of media to be performed by the computing device.

Abstract: Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. When employing a D-shaped aperture, a threshold can be placed on the z-axis height tracking distance using dimensional characteristics of the shaped aperture, such as a knife-edge (the straight portion of the “D” shaped aperture), to impose a shadow across the image sensor. The aperture can be custom designed to occlude a portion of the emitted light from an LED.

Abstract: A slidable battery door assembly is described. In implementations, the slidable battery door assembly (hereinafter “door assembly”) includes a door that is slidable to control access to a battery compartment for a device. Also included is a battery contact inside the battery compartment that is coupled to the door. When the door is closed, the battery contact holds a battery in place and serves as a portion of an electrical circuit that includes the battery. The door may be slidably opened such that the battery contact releases the battery, allowing the battery to be removed from the battery compartment. Thus, the door assembly enables easy installation and removal of a battery. Further, the door assembly can be positioned to hold a battery securely in place and provide an electrically conductive connection between the battery and an electrical circuit.

Abstract: Fabric enclosure backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more translucent portions are formed within a plurality of layers of a fabric enclosure assembly. In one approach, regions within one or multiple layers are laser etched to form the translucent portions within the fabric enclosure assembly. A light source is then arranged to selectively transmit light through the layers via the translucent portions to provide backlight for one or more elements integrated with fabric enclosure assembly. The one or more elements may include representations of input keys and/or graphics associated with the fabric enclosure assembly. The backlight may be used to view the one or more elements in low light and/or provide backlight effects such as borders, side lighting, labels, and so forth.

Abstract: A keyboard key has a key portion that forms a cantilevered beam pivotable about an axis. A switch is disposed relative to the cantilevered beam, such that rotation of the cantilever beam about the axis causes depression of the switch. The switch is offset from an applied force-receiving portion of the key portion. A touch sensitive key also includes a touch sensor detecting contact with the key portion of the key. The invention can be extended such that the key portion is formed of transparent or semi-transparent material. The invention can also be extended to include touch sensitive areas on any portion of an upper case of the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.

Abstract: A pointing device that can interface with a graphical user interface of a computer or other electronic device. The pointing device includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. Also included is a tracking assembly having at least one sensor to detect movement and output a control signal responsive to the detected movement. The pointing device further includes several customization features. The customization features include mechanical customization features and software customization features. At least some of the mechanical customization features are configured to be replaceable. Such replaceable customization features are releasably mechanically coupled to the pointing device body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle cargo restraint system comprises a cargo restraining strap and at least two tie down rings proximate the perimeter of the cargo area, positioned approximately opposite each other. In trucks and trailers, additional tie down rings may be conveniently placed near the top of the vertical corners of the cargo bed. At least one of each pair of the tie down rings is configured to allow a cargo restraining strap to be passed through it and be attached to a mechanical tightener, e.g., a ratchet, which is located conveniently on a wall of the cargo area, at a distance from the pass-through, tie down ring. The mechanical tightener may be rotatably and removably attached to the wall of the cargo area. The cargo restraining strap, both of the tie down rings and the mechanical tightener, and their respective anchoring sites, must all be strong enough to restrain cargo under predetermined conditions of cargo weight, vehicle speed and type of accident.